The California Democrat criticized Trump for several reasons
including dismantling the National Security Council’s pandemic team and his
reluctance to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA).

“Trump, since you destroyed the WH unit designed to plan for
pandemics like #COVID19, you need to stop being duplicitous about the DPA &
get more corps to develop masks, respirators, & everything needed to
protect hospital workers trying to save lives,” she wrote. “Get your act
together!”

Rep. Maxine Waters criticized Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic in a series of tweets on the evening of Monday, March 30. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The DPA allows the federal government to require private
companies to use their resources to manufacture items to be used during a national
emergency. Trump had previously deemed it unnecessary because companies were stepping
up, reported CBS.

Waters also blasted Trump for his “improper” self-congratulatory behavior as the country grapples with the virus outbreak. She referred to him as a “failure” because he “mishandled” the situation.

“When you’re doing a good job, you will be commended. When
you have to congratulate yourself it’s b/c of incompetence & insecurity. No
one values hubris. A lesson you should’ve learned long ago,” she wrote.

The 81-year-old Waters added, “You’re not knowledgeable & you don’t know more than experts & generals. Your ignorance & incompetence are appalling & you continue to demonstrate that every time you open your mouth!”

Waters also criticized Trump for insulting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
of Michigan. The president referred to Whitmer as “the woman in Michigan” and complained
about her critiques of the federal government.

“I tell him — I mean I’m a different type of person — I say, ‘Mike, don’t call the governor in Washington, you’re wasting your time with him. Don’t call the woman in Michigan,’ ” Trump said during a press briefing on Friday. “If they don’t treat you right, I don’t call.”

Waters considered Trump’s comments toward Whitmer an attack
on all women.

“The governor you called ‘that woman,’ is what you think of ALL women, period!” Waters said. “We women are all ‘that woman!’ We are mothers & working professionals; we’re doctors & lawyers; & we’re elected officials, even governors, & you will show us the respect we deserve!”

Trump’s decision to expand the social distancing order to April 30 after repeatedly saying he wanted the country back to normal by Easter also enraged Waters.